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Goss Confirmed as CIA Director

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2004  The Senate confirmed U.S. Rep. Porter Goss to head the CIA on Sept. 23.

Goss, 65, former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a former Army intelligence officer, was confirmed by a vote 77-17.

President Bush had nominated Goss, who had worked as a CIA field operative after his Army service, to take over the position after George Tenet resigned as director in July.

In a statement on the CIA's Web site, acting CIA director John E. McLaughlin said, "I know I speak for my colleagues at CIA and throughout the intelligence community in congratulating Porter Goss on his confirmation by the Senate as director of central intelligence.

"These are exceptional times for the intelligence community and the country," McLaughlin continued. "Along with all the men and women of American intelligence, I look forward to working closely with Porter in addressing the national security challenges ahead."

Goss came to Congress in 1989 representing Florida's 14th District. He had chaired the House Intelligence Committee's recent investigation into the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Porter served on the Sanibel, Fla., city council and later was mayor. He had also served on the Florida's Lee County Board of Commissioners.

Prior to his confirmation, he had chosen not to run for re-election to Congress after serving eight terms.